Heads up! Ignoring this major road rule could cost you $600
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Navigating the roads has always been a matter of staying alert and abiding by the rules, but for Aussie drivers, there's a new regulation that could hit your wallet hard if you're not careful.
The introduction of high-tech mobile phone detection cameras across the country is a game-changer, and they're catching drivers with hefty $600 fines—even when they're not actively using their phones.
The Road Rules Amendment Regulations have recently expanded the definition of 'use' when it comes to mobile phones and driving.
According to a spokesperson for South Australia Police, ‘The Road Rules Amendment Regulations have broadened the definition of “use” to circumstances where a mobile phone is being held, including in the driver’s lap.’
‘Drivers should be aware of recent changes to Australian Road Rules regarding mobile phone use, which came into effect on 6 June 2024.’
Imagine this: you're driving with both hands on the wheel, but your mobile phone is touching your leg. It seems harmless, right?
Wrong. Under the new rules, this scenario could land you a significant penalty if you're caught by the new cameras.
Take the case of Adelaide driver Shane, who found himself over $600 out of pocket.
‘The photo shows the phone is in my lap... my hands are on the steering wheel, and the phone is clearly not in use,’ he said.
Despite his protests and requests for evidence, he was informed that holding the phone in any manner constituted 'use' under the new definition.
Shane isn't alone in his surprise. Another driver expressed her shock upon receiving a fine for the same reason.
She, like many others, was unaware that resting a phone on your leg while driving was now an offence.
Traffic lawyer Karen Stanley has pointed out that there's been 'really poor education and communication' about this road rule change, leaving many drivers in the dark about what constitutes an offence.
The rule is clear across ACT, NSW, and Queensland.
In NSW, drivers ‘must not hold a mobile phone in their hand. It must not rest on your leg, be between your shoulder and ear or any other part of their body’.
In Queensland, it's illegal to ‘have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap, when driving’.
If caught by a detection camera, fines and demerit points will apply, and these penalties vary from state to state.
The figures following South Australia's rollout of mobile detection cameras are alarming. In the first seven days of normal operation, SA Police issued more than 2,500 fines.
During a three-month trial period, 68,252 warning letters for phone offences were sent out. Had these been fines, it would have amounted to a staggering $45 million in just three months.
Now, drivers caught using their phone will face $658 fines, which includes a $556 fine plus an additional $102 Victims of Crime levy.
For drivers under the age of 18, the fine is $556 plus a $20 Victims of Crime levy, along with 3 demerit points.
Have you or someone you know been affected by these new road rules? Share your experiences in the comments below.
The introduction of high-tech mobile phone detection cameras across the country is a game-changer, and they're catching drivers with hefty $600 fines—even when they're not actively using their phones.
The Road Rules Amendment Regulations have recently expanded the definition of 'use' when it comes to mobile phones and driving.
According to a spokesperson for South Australia Police, ‘The Road Rules Amendment Regulations have broadened the definition of “use” to circumstances where a mobile phone is being held, including in the driver’s lap.’
‘Drivers should be aware of recent changes to Australian Road Rules regarding mobile phone use, which came into effect on 6 June 2024.’
If you ignore this road rule, you might be slapped with a $600 fine. Credit: Taras Vyshnya / Shutterstock
Imagine this: you're driving with both hands on the wheel, but your mobile phone is touching your leg. It seems harmless, right?
Wrong. Under the new rules, this scenario could land you a significant penalty if you're caught by the new cameras.
Take the case of Adelaide driver Shane, who found himself over $600 out of pocket.
‘The photo shows the phone is in my lap... my hands are on the steering wheel, and the phone is clearly not in use,’ he said.
Despite his protests and requests for evidence, he was informed that holding the phone in any manner constituted 'use' under the new definition.
Shane isn't alone in his surprise. Another driver expressed her shock upon receiving a fine for the same reason.
She, like many others, was unaware that resting a phone on your leg while driving was now an offence.
Traffic lawyer Karen Stanley has pointed out that there's been 'really poor education and communication' about this road rule change, leaving many drivers in the dark about what constitutes an offence.
The rule is clear across ACT, NSW, and Queensland.
In NSW, drivers ‘must not hold a mobile phone in their hand. It must not rest on your leg, be between your shoulder and ear or any other part of their body’.
In Queensland, it's illegal to ‘have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap, when driving’.
If caught by a detection camera, fines and demerit points will apply, and these penalties vary from state to state.
The figures following South Australia's rollout of mobile detection cameras are alarming. In the first seven days of normal operation, SA Police issued more than 2,500 fines.
During a three-month trial period, 68,252 warning letters for phone offences were sent out. Had these been fines, it would have amounted to a staggering $45 million in just three months.
Now, drivers caught using their phone will face $658 fines, which includes a $556 fine plus an additional $102 Victims of Crime levy.
For drivers under the age of 18, the fine is $556 plus a $20 Victims of Crime levy, along with 3 demerit points.
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Think about it…..mine is in my bag! I don’t look down at it while driving. 
